David C. Johnston

David C. Johnston                       “beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend”

OSWAYO, PA---David C. “Dave” Johnston, 69, of Oswayo, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 11, 2025, from injuries sustained in a tragic accident.

Born on Sunday, July 17, 1955 in Olean, NY, he was a son of Elvin “Buck” and Patricia Brizzee Johnston. On November 22, 1977 in Coudersport, he married Deanna L. Van Pelt, who survives.

Dave was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. In his early years, he worked in local oil and gas fields. For most of his working career, he along with his business partner and friend, Larry Coole, owned and operated D.A.L. Flagstone where eventually he and his son Dan worked together mining Pennsylvania Bluestone for 28 years.

While David left us far to soon, he left an impact on our lives that we will cherish forever. He had several titles but his favorites were Dad, Poppy and Grandpa. He enjoyed hunting and digging ginseng with his daughter and grandson Kaleb, whom he mentored from an early age, trapping with his lifelong buddy Phil and gardening. He was a jack of all trades, if you told him something wasn’t working, he could tell you what was wrong without ever needing to look at it, then proceed to fix it for you. During the summer you could always find him working in his gardens and checking the berry patches only to find out his young grandson had already been there. He looked forward to making his rounds to visit with friends. He was an expert at joke and storytelling, and enjoyed his nightly phone calls with all his friends and family along with his dish of homemade ice cream. He also enjoyed his baked goods made specially by his daughter. Overall, his greatest love was his family. He had the kindest heart and was always helping and fixing things for his friends and family.

To us you were someone very special and your memory will forever live in our hearts.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years; his mother, Patricia, of St. Augustine, FL; a daughter, Angie J. (Kurt Max) Johnston of Oswayo; a son, Dan O. (Amanda) Johnston of Oswayo; four grandchildren, Kaleb, Karielle, Wyatt, and Kole; two brothers, Rick (Deb Dunsmore) Johnston of Shinglehouse and Brian (Debbie) Johnston of St. Augustine, FL; and nieces and nephews.

Dave was predeceased by his father.

There are currently no services scheduled.

Dave’s family entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of Dave, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.